Automation

Indianapolis, IN

Automation has become a major political and economic issue in the last century. Fears that robots will take over jobs and leave many unemployed have become prevalent. While it is true that automation has resulted in job displacement, it also offers numerous benefits. Many of the jobs that robots have taken were dangerous and could lead to injury or death if not performed carefully. The gains in production from automation have made many products less expensive and have allowed many more people to enjoy them. Robots have also increased quality control and have reduced the number of mistakes in manufacturing processes. New areas of employment have also been created to replace the jobs that have been lost. Many of these new jobs offer better pay and require mental engagement, instead of the tedious repetition of a task. The design and programming of these new industrial machines are examples of these new professions. The development of automation has led some companies to bring their factories back to the United States and employ people in new jobs such as the maintenance of these robots and their installation for use in the factories. New areas of the economy are quickly being automated through the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning, including transportation and law. In order to maximize the benefits of automation while limiting the drawbacks, both new and displaced workers must be trained and educated for the jobs of the future.